This is an activity about observation. Learners will make a 3-dimensional model of a mock planetary surface inside a box, and then place a lid on top. They will then introduce a simple probe, such as a pencil or stick, at various points through...(View More) regularly-placed holes in the box top to touch the surface below. Then, they will record the depth at which the probe descends, using the data to make a contour map of its surface. This will help learners see how scientists can research objects which are not easily studied strictly by visual means. This is Activity C-7 of Universe at Your Fingertips 2.0: A Collection of Activities and Resources for Teaching Astronomy DVD-ROM, which is available for purchase.(View Less)

This is an activity about observation. Learners will make a 3-dimensional model of a mock planetary surface inside a box, and then place a lid on top. They will then introduce a simple probe, such as a pencil or stick, at various points through...(View More) regularly-placed holes in the box top to touch the surface below. Then, they will record the depth at which the probe descends, using the data to make a contour map of its surface. This will help learners see how scientists can research objects which are not easily studied strictly by visual means. This is Actividad 3.4 as part of El Universo a Sus Pies, a Spanish-language curriculum, available for purchase.(View Less)